Finding a movie that is driven by character is a quest in itself these days, considering the fast-paced, action-oriented nature of Hollywood. Instead of providing a personal relationship with the characters of the narrative, the typical Tinseltown flick inundates its audience with boorish action sequences and grandiose vistas.
It is for this reason and many others that "Head in the Clouds" stands apart as a force to be reckoned with. This film provides a breath of fresh air in the form of a beautiful story and superb acting.
Spanning three decades and traversing three countries, the film chronicles the lives of the lovers Gilda Bess? (Charlize Theron), a free-spirited American woman, and Guy (Stuart Townsend), a straight-laced, idealistic Irishman. Despite the passing of many years, the paths of these two lovers seem inexplicably intertwined, which allows them to always find their way back to one another.
The two meet on a stormy night when Gilda literally bursts into Guy's life. Shortly thereafter, Gilda decides to travel the world, and a one-sided correspondence ensues, with Guy writing Gilda letters and never forgetting their inexorable connection.
Things turn around for Guy when he finally receives a letter from Gilda, which turns out to be a summons to Paris, where she now resides. After overcoming a few obstacles, namely parting ways with their current flames, the two live in bliss along with Gilda's roommate, Mia (Pen?lope Cruz).
They cannot escape the world and its problems forever, though, and Mia and Guy enrage Gilda by joining the fight against fascism in Spain, which she sees as a betrayal of her philosophy of living a guilt-free life. "It's just a game," she tells her comrades again and again.
From that moment on, their lives are forever changed as circumstances force the characters to grow and mature to responsible individuals. There is no small amount of sorrow associated with their lives, though. The wars of the era (the Spanish Civil War and World War II) wreak havoc not only on the world, but also on each character's life.
Director John Duigan ("Flirting," "Sirens") brings a realism and depth to this story that is very rare, and the use of old black and whites and music appropriate to the era only heighten the effect. Theron, Townsend and Cruz also deliver stellar performances, creating three-dimensional characters in a business dominated by archetypes and clich?s.
Besides steering clear of the typical human-interest war-movie prescription, "Head in the Clouds" provides witty dialogue and intricate themes. But movie-goers beware - those looking for cheap thrills and mindless excitement won't find it here. However, if subtlety and great storytelling are what you seek, you need look no further than the "Clouds"
